Senior Tax and Financial Accountant

Eckerd College is currently seeking candidates for the position of Senior Tax and Financial Accountant. This opportunity entails joining our Accounting and Finance team, situated at our waterfront property along the picturesque Boca Ciega Bay in St. Petersburg, Florida. In this role, you will be responsible for analyzing accounting transactions, evaluating financial and tax implications of College activities, preparing and reviewing complex tax filings, and assisting with financial statement preparation and annual audit activities. The Senior Tax and Financial Accountant collaborates closely with the Associate Vice President & Controller, Assistant Controller, Financial Manager, Payroll Specialist, Budget Analyst, external auditors, and other campus stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and regulatory requirements.

The Senior Tax and Financial Accountant must demonstrate a knowledge of IRS and state audit processes and regulatory compliance requirements. Skill in preparing and reviewing complex tax filings and supporting documentation and the ability to research, interpret, and apply authoritative accounting and tax guidance to institutional operations is essential to the position. The incumbent must have the ability to develop and implement accounting and tax policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Benefits Overview Eckerd College offers a competitive benefits package, including the following:

• 100 percent tuition remission for employees, spouses, and dependents; access to Tuition Exchange network

• HMO and HDHP medical insurance options; employer contribution to HSA for those on the high deductible plan that starts date of hire.

• PPO dental and vision insurance networks; employer-provided life, short-term disability, and long-term disability plans that start date of hire.

• Generous employer contribution to employee's retirement plan upon eligibility.

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick, and personal leave as well as 16+ paid holidays annually. 

  Key Responsibilities

• Researches, analyzes, and documents technical accounting and tax issues impacting the College, including interpretation and application of FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC), AICPA guidance, IRS regulations, NACUBO advisories, and other authoritative guidance applicable to higher education and not-for-profit organizations.

• Prepares technical accounting memoranda, tax analyses, and position papers supporting institutional accounting conclusions and compliance determinations.

• Recommends, develops, and implements accounting and tax policies, procedures, and internal controls related to payroll taxation, unrelated business income tax (UBIT), sales and use tax, charitable contributions, donor-related transactions, real estate taxes, tangible personal property taxes, unclaimed property, and other regulatory compliance matters.

• Coordinates and/or prepares the College’s tax compliance filings, including Forms 990, 990-T, 5500, W-2, 1099 series, 1098-T, 1098-C, state sales and tourist tax returns, and other required federal and state filings.

• Assists in evaluating the tax and accounting implications of new programs, contracts, grants, gifts, auxiliary operations, employee benefits, and institutional initiatives.

• Leads or assists in responding to federal and state agency notices, audits, examinations, and compliance inquiries, including those from the IRS and Florida Department of Revenue.

• Participates in month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, including preparation and review of journal entries, account reconciliations, schedules, and financial analyses.

• Supports implementation and maintenance of strong internal controls and compliance processes related to financial reporting and taxation.

• Collaborates with departments across the College to provide guidance and education regarding accounting treatment, tax compliance, and financial procedures.

• Monitors developments in accounting standards, tax law, and higher education regulatory guidance and advises management regarding potential institutional impacts.

• Maintains responsibility for annual charitable solicitation registrations and sales tax exemption documentation in applicable jurisdictions.

• Assists with special projects, process improvement initiatives, system implementations, and reporting requests within the Business Office.

  Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional accounting or tax experience required, preferably within higher education, not-for-profit organizations, or public accounting serving higher education clients.

How to Apply

All interested candidates must apply online at Follow the instructions to complete the online application.

Employment will require a successful background check.

Eckerd is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.